On August 19, 2017, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda’s destination for the arts, is celebrating women of wine and song with its upcoming #Rhythmix10 Gala celebration. It’s an action-packed afternoon of live local music, tasty bites, craft beer, fine wine, a silent auction, a wine raffle, and a tasting panel featuring rockstar women in the wine, spirits and beer industries. All proceeds go to support free cultural arts education programs for East Bay youth.
We wanted to take this unique opportunity to spotlight 2017’s Tasting Panel (moderated by Deborah Parker Wong) in this short interview series.
Caley Shoemaker is a die-hard, hands-on spirits fanatic who’s passionate about being involved in every step of the production process; from distilling to fermentation, barreling to bottling, and beyond. Originally, the Alameda, California resident and Hangar 1 Vodka owner, 29, cut her teeth at Colorado’s own Stranahan’s Whiskey, where she learned her craft under the guidance of head distiller Rob Dietrich.
Now, eight years on, she runs one of the hottest spirits brands on the West Coast — and we’re super exciting to have her on this year’s Tasting Panel: Spice It Up! But she remains humble about her accomplishments while at the same time striving to innovate within the spirit world—like conjuring up her latest creation, Hangar 1 Fog Point vodka that’s made from real San Francisco Bay Area fog.
“I’m constantly working on new recipes to see how Hangar 1 can move forward and continue to innovate in the spirits space,” she affirms.
Read our exclusive interview with her below to find out what her favorite cocktail and food pairing is right now, what it means to be living and working right here in Alameda, what advice she’d give young women who’re interested in joining the spirits industry, and more.
Early on, when did you first discover your passion for spirits?
I began working at a whiskey distillery in Colorado in 2009. I immediately fell in love with the process and begged to apprentice on the production floor. Soon after, I was working in distilling, fermentation, barrel management, blending and bottling.
What’s the focus / mission behind Hangar 1?
Hangar 1 strives to create complex, innovative vodkas using the all of amazing agricultural resources right here in California.
What does being located here in Alameda mean to you? Inspire you?
I love that Alameda is such a tight knit community. It’s great to be able to really get to know all of the neighbors. Our location is also really special. We’re in the perfect spot to be able to really enjoy everything special that California has to offer.
What’s your favorite cocktail with Hangar 1 at the moment? Why? Food pairing options?
I’m currently really enjoying dirty martinis right now. They work so well with the soft mouthfeel of our Hangar 1 straight. I love pairing them with cheese and charcuterie.
What are the key opportunities / challenges facing women in the spirits industry today?
I’m so excited to see more and more women joining the industry. It seems that in today’s industry, there are less and less barriers to women joining and getting their hands dirty.
What advice would you give young women who want to join the spirits industry?
Be persistent. When I first began my career, I had to teach myself many different skills to prove my willingness and ability to work in a spirits production environment. I never gave up and kept reading everything I could get my hands on- so when the opportunity presented itself, I could be ready.
What are you most exciting about to explore / discover at the upcoming Rhythmix 10 event?
I’m excited to meet the other women industry leaders joining our panel and to see the Alameda community come out to celebrate a local institution.
What does the future hold for you and Hangar 1?
I’m constantly working on new recipes to see how Hangar 1 can move forward and continue to innovate in the spirits space. We have some really exciting new products, such as our Fog Point vodka; made from San Francisco Bay area fog, in the works that will be being released soon. I’d also like to mention that our brand new tasting room is coming up on its 1st anniversary!
Want to learn more about Caley Shoemaker? Visit Hangar 1 online and be sure to join us on August 19 for the #Rhythmix10 Gala.
